HC Deb 27 April 1989 vol 151 cc1077-8
2. Dr. Michael Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about alternative uses for agricultural land.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John MacGregor)

I receive frequent representation about alternative uses for agricultural land from a wide range of interested organisations and individuals.

Dr. Clark

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many farmers are trying to find imaginative alternative uses for their land, especially in view of their low or negative farm incomes? Is he also aware that when they apply for planning consent some councils are dilatory, arbitrary and sometimes obstructive? What can he do to help?

Mr. MacGregor

I am aware that much entrepreneurial activity is taking place in the farming community. Farmers are seeking alternative uses for land, often very effectively.

The planning issue comes up frequently, and the responses of local authorities vary around the country. In comparison with a few years ago, many more are taking a constructive and positive approach to alternative enterprises, recognising their importance to the income of farmers and to rural areas generally. Nevertheless, there is still some way to go. That is why my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I encourage local authorities to be positive whenever possible. It is also why we recently published a booklet to assist farmers, so that they know how to approach the planning system and can put their proposals in the best possible light.

Mr. Tony Banks

Is the Minister aware that permits have been issued for the killing of Brent geese and Greenland white-fronted geese? Brent geese do not come from Brent, incidentally, so any Conservative Members who may feel enthusiastic about slaughtering them had better get that straight.

That action is being taken because the geese are allegedly damaging crops. Would it not be appropriate for the Ministry to extend compensation to farmers, so that when they are lucky enough to find the geese alighting on their land the geese can continue to crop unhindered and unslaughtered, and the farmers can continue to receive the income?

Mr. MacGregor

That raises compensation considerations rather different from any that we normally encounter, but I note what the hon. Gentleman has said.

Sir Michael McNair-Wilson

Does my right hon. Friend agree that horse-breeding establishments are now considerable users of agricultural land and riding is becoming a major leisure industry? Is it not time that the Ministry recognised the horse as an agricultural animal and made diseases such as equine herpes notifiable?

Mr. MacGregor

When the horse is involved in agricultural activities, it is treated as an agricultural animal. As I believe my hon. Friend knows, the matter has been considered time and again and it is not solely a matter for me, but the Government's position has been made very clear.

I agree with my hon. Friend that there is no doubt that horse-based activities represent a growing alternative use of agricultural land, and perhaps one of the most important. I believe that a Little Neddy agricultural report recently suggested—I speak from memory—that up to 250,000 hectares might be thus employed.